How to load a musket.

While the procedure
for loading a muzzle-loading weapon was virtually the same whether it was
a musket, rifle or a cannon, there were some differences. The military
had a slightly different sequence than did the hunter or militia member.

click on photos to enlarge

1. Powder
was poured from the powder horn into a measure that held a pre-determined
amount of powder.

2.The
powder charge was then poured down the barrel of the gun. A patched lead
ball was the placed on the muzzle of the gun and then shoved down the barrel
until it rested on top of the powder charge.

3. A
finer grade of powder was poured from a different powder horn into the
pan of the rifle or musket, the hammer pulled back and the frizzen was
closed. The weapon was the ready to be fired.

This procedure could be altered under certain
circumstances for example, a ball could be loaded without a patch, but
this would detract from its accuracy.